New from Chile

VIVA CHILE….

We wish the Chilean wine industry a speedy recovery from the devastating effects of last weeks earthquake. The earthquake caused substantial damage in Chile’s wine regions: Stainless steel fermentation tanks tipped over, wine bottles were smashed and some wineries are still without power.

While it’s still too early to tell the full extent of the damage, early reports indicate that the damage to one of the nation’s major industries will be far-reaching.

The quake’s epicenter hit in the heart of the country’s largest wine production areas causing substantial damage in areas including the Cachapoal, Colchagu, Curicó and Maule valleys. These areas produce the majority of the country’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.

“We’re talking about tens of millions of liters of wine down the drain,” said an ambassador for Chilean wines. “It’s going to be devastating. Some of the wineries however report that everything they had for sale is gone. Fortunately this happened before the harvest season started.”

Most Chilean wineries say they plan to get back in business and move ahead with harvest season either later this week or next.

If you wish to donate towards help with the relief effort please go to:

http://www.redcross.org.uk/donatesection.asp?id=77029